Every year, Smith County 4-H members excel on the show circuit throughout the country with their 4-H livestock project animals. The summer starts off as 4-H’ers begin to select their show animals, get them registered for shows through our office, and start breaking and training their animals for the upcoming shows.
The process of selecting project animals actually begins months ahead of show season. In fact, months, sometimes even years of planning take place to get their animals ready to show. 4-H’ers attend sales with their family all over the southeast until they find that perfect heifer or market lamb. Another option is to raise your own animal from a calf, lamb, or kid.
The Smith County 4-H Livestock Show was held on June 18, 2015 with 20 head of goats and beef heifers exhibited by six 4-H’ers. This event took place at the Carson Maxwell Pavilion located at the Smith County Agriculture Center.
Exhibiting in the show were Jessica Bridgewater, Hallie Dillard, Austin Bridgewater, Violet Thorne, Lenore Thorne, and McKenzie Barrett. The official judge for the evening was Michael Barry, Davidson County UT Extension Director. Mr. Barry patiently worked with each 4-H’er as they exhibited their 4-H livestock project.
In the opening showmanship classes, 4-H’ers were judged on their abilities to control and present their heifer or goat and to bring out its best characteristics. A good showman is a person that has a sense or knack for an effective presentation of an animal. Advanced planning, lots of practice and hard work are the keys to becoming a good show person. Thanks to Smith Farmer’s Co-Op for donating the awards for the Showmanship Winners. Following the showmanship classes within each species, peewees (children under 4th grade), were given the opportunity to lead an animal in the show ring with the help of an older 4-H’er.
The show was a success due to the many volunteers who provided their time and efforts. The Smith County Cattlemen’s Association prepared and served a delicious meal for all of the exhibitors, their families, and spectators. County Extension Director, Chris Hicks announced the show. Also a big thank you to Smith Farmer’s Co-Op for donating 4-H chairs for each 4-H’er, and to Smith County Farm Bureau for the use of their tripod sprinkler systems to help prepare the barn. The encouragement and assistance from all of these supporters are tremendously appreciated by the 4-H program!
For further information on how to become involved in these worthwhile youth activities, contact the Smith County 4-H Extension office at 735-2900.
